December 26, 2014

by: Renee Canfield

Giving

The science of giving has always interested me. It seems to be an inherent part of our human DNA. Even very young children who are unable to weigh the cost and benefits of acting altruistically have been shown, time and again, to seek out and enjoy opportunities for giving and helping behavior. There is a great deal of information on how giving back to our community impacts us personally as a human being. People who give of themselves through contributions of time and treasure are generally healthier and happier. When I set myself to task to write on giving this week, I ran across a group of articles from Karli Anne Christiansen at TisBest Science that summed up quite well how giving affects us. The key points highlight that volunteering, donating financially and being involved is positive not only for the receiving organization, but also for the individual.

1. Volunteering has been correlated with amazing health benefits, such as reduced depression and longer life span. The health benefits of volunteering are stronger than exercising four times per week or going to church, and almost as effective in improving one’s health as quitting smoking.
2. Giving to charity activates the brain’s “reward center,” an area of the brain that processes internal reinforcement for things such as food and money. This area of the brain is related to the production of oxytocin and dopamine, which are key elements in the development of strong social connections and general happiness.
3. Witnessing acts of altruism gives us such warm feeling of hope, joy and pleasure. Our brains are not only wired to encourage our own generous behavior, but also to appreciate and be influenced by acts of kindness carried out by others, a phenomenon described as the “social contagion” of generosity.

So what does all this mean? My thought is that we are all “hard-wired” to be altruistic—giving to others is in our nature as human beings. It provides meaning to our lives, focus for our activities and a way to bond with others. Make 2015 a positive year for yourself and those around you by not only volunteering, but also financially supporting an organization that provides a valuable service that is meaningful to you. I hope that you will choose to support UCP of Greater Cleveland.

I look forward to partnering with you to make 2015 a successful year for all of the clients and families UCP of Greater Cleveland will serve. Have a very Happy New Year!

Tammy

Tammy Willet

Director of Development

UCP of Greater Cleveland

 

To make a secure donation to UCP of Greater Cleveland, please go to:  www.ucpcleveland.org/donate/

 

To view the entire series from Karli Anne Christiansen at TisBest Science go to:  www.tisbest.org/blog/2014/07/31/tisbest-science-of-giving-series/

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